Hello John
I've just seen your post. We didn't end up going to the 3 counties show because they decided, at the last minute, that we could only have an "outside space" which of course would have been totally unsuitable. It is a shame but as a Charity we had persuaded the organisers to let us have the space free of change so we had no say in the matter.
However, I'm pleased to say that Russell Gibbs and myself did attend Cheshire County Show on behalf of the AWGB.
We had a great time, the weather was kind to us and we must have had several hundred visitors to the stand over the two day period.
Russell has written a piece for the news feed on the website which will be uploaded as soon as Paul H gets a few moments.
We met many people who had never seen woodturning before and were astounded at what could be produced. Our demonstrations of turning wefre well received and I was able to give a new Junior member who had never done any turning before the opportunity to turn a piece of wood to round and produce some beads and coves. He went away enthused and all being well will attend Russell's club. We also took two new memberships and directed many "lonely turners" to clubs in the area.
As one who actively supported this new initiative I believe we did the right thing. We managed to bring woodturning to the attention of the populace at large and increased its profile. I also think we missed a trick. We should have invited the president of the show and his party to visit the stand but we can do that next time.
I do have some pictures but I seem to be unable to get them posted. I'll have a go later.
Cheers Dave
